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• Ouma Onyango 1 month ago

Young minds shine at Nyanza Youth and Cadet Chess Championship

Young chess players from across the Nyanza region showcased brilliance and growing talent during the Nyanza Regional Youth and Cadet Chess Championship, a colourful event that highlighted the rapid growth of the mind sport in western Kenya.

The tournament attracted over 800 participants, drawing learners from top schools and academies across the region. Dominant institutions included Goldfields Migori, Makini School, Golden Elites, Mudasa Academy and Jalaram Academy, all of which produced winners across multiple age categories.

In the under-8 open section, Liam Davis of Goldfields Migori delivered a perfect run to emerge champion, while Amelia Lulama of Makini School topped the girls’ category. The under-10 open title went to Damian Johnson of Victoria Chess Club, with Tiana Allison Orimbo of Goldfields Migori winning the girls’ crown.

Golden Elites stamped authority in the under-12 open division, where Patrick Shamia claimed top honours, while Breetaliza Amanda of Kisumu Junior won the girls’ title. The under-14 categories saw Curtis Reuben of Kisumu Senior Academy triumph in the open section, as Brianna Brandy Wendoh from the same institution dominated the girls’ division.

Mudasa Academy continued to make its mark in the older age groups. Kennedy Ochieng clinched the under-16 open title, while Shukri Shakira of Jalaram Academy emerged best in the girls’ category. In the under-18 section, Rishit Ravat representing Victoria and Kisumu Senior claimed the open crown, while Ruth Lindner of Nyakach Girls School topped the girls’ standings.

Tournament Director Andrew Owili applauded parents for supporting their children in chess, noting that the sport plays a key role in shaping young minds.

“We thank parents for investing in their kids through the noble game of chess. It enhances mental growth and blends well with academics. We encourage more parents to involve their children in the sport,” said Owili.

Chief Arbiter Anthony Kionga praised the discipline and improved understanding of the game among participants, saying the growth in knowledge was helping tournaments run more smoothly.

“More kids are becoming aware of the rules and guidelines of the game, which makes it easier to have a smooth tournament,” Kionga said.

The championship reflected a broader upward trend in chess uptake across the Nyanza region. More schools are introducing chess clubs, while academies are increasingly offering structured training for young learners. Organisers believe the growing participation is a sign of the sport’s expanding footprint beyond major urban centres.

Chairman of the Kisumu County Chess Association Jeff Onyango described the tournament as a major milestone for the region’s chess development.

“The tournament was a great success. Attracting over 800 participants from various regions in Nyanza is a huge demonstration of the growth of the game of chess in the region,” Onyango said.

He added that the association is focused on expanding access to chess in more schools, especially public institutions.

“As an association we are very pleased with the direction and ambition we have for the development of chess. The numbers will definitely grow in future as we intend to introduce chess to more schools, including public schools,” he added.

With rising participation and strong performances from young players, the championship underscored the growing popularity of chess in Nyanza and offered a glimpse into a promising future for the sport in the region.